Romo Out May Not Mean Trouble For Dallas

Brad Johnson has not started a regular season game in the NFL for over a year.  Now he will have to lead a Dallas Cowboys team that has already had it's share of problems this season.  So what exactly does this mean for the Dallas cowboys over the next month?  Marion Barber.

The Dallas Cowboys are already without lock down corner Terrance Newman, starting and back up strong safeties Roy Williams and Patrick Watkins, starting right guard Kyle Kosier, and corner Adam Jones (assuming Commissioner Goodell hands down a suspension).  Center Andre Gurode, defensive tackle Tank Johnson, and outside linebacker Anthony Spencer have also battled injury this year.  Did I mention that rookie running back Felix Jones may miss some time.  Again what does this mean for the Dallas Cowboys?  Marion Barber.

Marion Barber will be asked to carry a great load the next couple of weeks.  With an offensive line that is obviously not one hundred percent and a quarterback who lacks the arm strength and mobility of Tony Romo, Marion Barber is the only one who can take pressure off of Brad Johnson.  This will mean playing hard nosed defense and controlling the clock. 

Look to see rookie corners Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick step up their game with more playing time over the next couple of weeks.  Ken Hamlin, Greg Ellis, and (of course) Demarcus Ware look to prove that they are a legit defensive presence; and Marcus Spears is ready to prove he was drafted to be a star in this league. 

Tony Romo on the bench gives the coaching staff a chance to get back to the fundamentals.  Establish the run in order to establish the pass.  Utilize the play action pass in order to find open receivers down field, and realize that the team has way too much talent to rely solely on the arm of Romo.  Romo will take a week to get his head clear and forget about the criticism and the media in general.

Don't worry too much about the Cowboys.  They should get by the Rams, and Tampa Bay doesn't seem to be the team they were last season.  I also wouldn't count out an early return by Tony Romo in three weeks against the Giants. 

Romo sustained an injury on the same pinkie last year, but did not miss a game.  He taped it up and played.  So, depending on how he is recovering you may see Romo against New York just before a much needed bye week.